I'm cutting expenses

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:55 am

In this economy, we prolly all need to find a way to cut back, but there are only a few things I'm willing to give up at this point. So here's what I've came up with so far.

Did away with HBO and HBO on demand and saved $15 a month. Who cares what those liberal cocksuckers think anyway?

Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month. I had been with AmFam for over 20 years and had great service, but they were bending me over and taking me for granted. When I actually shopped around, I couldn't believe the difference.

Well, that's pretty much it... 'cept I bought some Totinos frozen pizzas last week instead of Red Baron and Ol' Roy dog food instead of Kibbles and Bits, but enough about my diet.

So, what, if anything, have you done to cut back on the budget?

PSUFAN · Post by **PSUFAN** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:58 am

You dumb jibbering motherfucker, you've seriously jeopardized our economy by abdicating from the process. Spending your money STIMULATES the economy, nimrod. Keeping 15/mo from HBO and shifting it to the Diet Piss budget helps NOTHING.

Moby Dick · Post by **Moby Dick** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:02 am

War Wagon wrote:
Did away with HBO and HBO on demand and saved $15 a month.?

gew, i coudnt give up East Bound and Down, Big Love, Curb and True Blood.

altho i'm sure there are sites you can watch them for free.

Personally, the wife and i have changed insurance companies, adjusted some entertainment bills (cutting out internet access to the cell phones saved us almost 100 bucks a month, but now i can't see porn when i'm away from the house

).

Cut back on all the extra cable channels...does one really need 8 HBOs and Showtimes? Saved about 50 bucks.

in the end with cutting back various bills etc we've got about an extra 350$ a month.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:07 am

PSUFAN wrote:you've seriously jeopardized our economy by abdicating from the process.

Rules, bitch.

Btw, every dollar I make gets spent, I just make less of them nowadays. Nevermind the lost overtime, 32 hour weeks suck.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:22 am

Moby Dick wrote: does one really need 8 HBOs and Showtimes?

No, one doesn't. I haven't stepped foot in the library in years. I'm thinking that needs to change.

So I call Time Warner to tell them to nix the HBO. After going thru their annoying automated system (that's a whole 'nother thread), I finally get thru to the customer service dumb bitch.

Me: I want to stop HBO service.

Her: I can help you with that sir, but may I ask why?

Me: I'm trying to cut expenses.

Her: Yes, that's certainly understandable. Would you like to switch to a Stars or Showtime subscription instead?

Me: How much does that cost?

Her: Same as HBO.

Me: :brad:

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:13 am

Not cutting anything. Why should I? My job is pretty secure, in fact last year was the company's biggest yet in terms of revenue and we still expect to grow 15% this year. The OL works at the same place.

Not that I don't feel sympathy for everybody who've lost their jobs and stuff, I've been laid off three times in the past 25 years. Once it took 9 months and a move out of state to find work. I guess it's just not my turn this time - so far anyway. Yeah my 401K has taken a beating but our disposable income is pretty healthy. Why should I stop spending money?

BTW...we don't get HBO or anything besides the basic Time Warner digital service and one DVR.

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:17 am

War Wagon wrote: Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month

That's it? What did you increase your deductible too?

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:21 am

jiminphilly wrote:
War Wagon wrote: Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month
That's it? What did you increase your deductible too?

$500 from $250 on the autos.

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:23 am

War Wagon wrote:
jiminphilly wrote:
War Wagon wrote: Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month
That's it? What did you increase your deductible too?
$500 from $250 on the autos.

Did you take a pay cut, or are you just doing this out of the spirit that you really want to participate in the recession.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:27 am

Mikey wrote:The OL works at the same place.

No way... different departments? Carpool?

Not to pry, but did you meet her at work?

My wife would probably kill me in my sleep if she had to work with me.

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:33 am

Mikey wrote: Did you take a pay cut?

No, but I used to get at least a few hours overtime every week. Now I'm doing good just to get 40 hours, and I'm thankful for that.

.m2 · Post by **.m2** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:01 am

War Wagon wrote:In this economy, we prolly all need to find a way to cut back,

Not really.

My spending has gone up expeditiously EVERY year since I was 18 years old.

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:05 am

War Wagon wrote:
Mikey wrote:The OL works at the same place.
No way... different departments? Carpool?

Not to pry, but did you meet her at work?

My wife would probably kill me in my sleep if she had to work with me.

She works in a cubicle right outside my office. I've been there full time for two years, 5 years part time before that. She started a year and a half ago. We carpool an average of about 3 or 4 days a week, when we're both in the office. We have to go out on inspections sometimes, but not together. It works out great.

(we didn't meet there - married 22 years this June)

jiminphilly · Post by **jiminphilly** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:11 am

War Wagon wrote:
jiminphilly wrote:
War Wagon wrote: Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month
That's it? What did you increase your deductible too?
$500 from $250 on the autos.

You said you have 3 auto policies or do you have 3 vehicles all on 1 policy? Unless you have a forklift parked in your driveway than I am a bit confused why you have more than 2 auto policies (assuming one for your daughter).

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:29 am

BTW...

I'm picking up one of these tomorrow at Costco. Slightly different - I'll set it up in an "L" configuration with the fridge/grill on the right and the range/sink on the left. The center piece (corner) houses the propapne tank. The finish is fake ledger stone instead of bricks and the granite top is brown instead of black. I'll never have to cook indoors again.

.m2 · Post by **.m2** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:45 am

you need to think more about "jogging" and a little less about eating, Mikey. Nice setup, by the way..

BSmack · Post by **BSmack** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:47 am

I cut HBO a few months back. But I did it because I realized I just wasn't watching as much of it after our son was born. We'll still be keeping the NFL ticket with the Superfan add on. My son has also cut my spending in another way. My bar budget is 90% less than it was before.

BTW: With DirecTV, you can do it through their website. No annoying sales dorks to talk to. Just a click of the button.

Q, West Coast Style · Post by **Q, West Coast Style** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:52 am

War Wagon wrote:Did away with HBO and HBO on demand

You're missing Eastbound and Down. Funny-ass new show.

BSmack wrote: I cut HBO a few months back

So are you.

Mister Bushice · Post by **Mister Bushice** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:44 am

War Wagon wrote:In this economy, we prolly all need to find a way to cut back, but there are only a few things I'm willing to give up at this point. So here's what I've came up with so far.

Did away with HBO and HBO on demand and saved $15 a month. Who cares what those liberal cocksuckers think anyway?

Switched from American Family to Farmers insurance on my home and 3 auto policies, raised the deductibles, saved about another $100 a month. I had been with AmFam for over 20 years and had great service, but they were bending me over and taking me for granted. When I actually shopped around, I couldn't believe the difference.

Well, that's pretty much it... 'cept I bought some Totinos frozen pizzas last week instead of Red Baron and Ol' Roy dog food instead of Kibbles and Bits, but enough about my diet.

So, what, if anything, have you done to cut back on the budget?

How about you stop posting here and get a second job?

That'd be a win-win.

Terry in Crapchester · Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:34 am

BSmack wrote:My son has also cut my spending in another way. My bar budget is 90% less than it was before.

Certainly understandable, although that money probably has just been redirected toward things you never needed to buy before, baby formula, diapers, baby food, etc. Not to mention that kids grow rather quickly, so you have to replace their clothes just as quickly.

I got rid of HBO, Showtime, etc. about 5 years ago and really don't miss it anymore. I'd cut down to just the basic cable package from Time Warner if not for the fact that my kids would probably mutiny if I did.

I made a few cost-cutting moves for my law practice. Other than that, about the only cost-cutting move we've made recently has been to cancel the newspaper subscription. We still manage to buy a newspaper more often than not, though, so that's probably not saving us much.

Felix · Post by **Felix** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:08 pm

Mikey wrote:Not cutting anything.

thanks for being a great American

poptart · Post by **poptart** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 1:33 pm

Not cutting anything.

- Gentile

trev · Post by **trev** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:21 pm

Mister Bushice wrote:
How about you stop posting here and get a second job?

That'd be a win-win.

Who's hiring right now?

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:33 pm

We are.

Almost every company that deals with energy management and efficiency in the commercial and industrial (and even residential) sectors, or renewable and alternative energy, has been begging for qualified bodies for several years.

The key word however is "qualified". In a lot of cases that only means an engineering degree, even if you're just out of college. Kids are so afraid of math these days (mostly too lazy to do the work it takes to understand it) and the knuckledraggers have so degraded science the past eight years that there are too few qualified graduates to fill all of the tech positions. Also that fact that energy and energy management has never been a glamour field like biotech or computer science (or day trading) and it adds up to a shortage of talent. The utilities in California are also begging for good people because a lot of their experienced employees are reaching retirement age and they have nobody to replace them.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:37 pm

Mikey wrote:Not cutting anything.

I haven't either. In fact, I've spent more than I usually do. With companies dropping prices on all their shit, I've been racking up. In the past two weeks, got a pressure washer, chainsaw, weed eater, blower and tow behind broadcast spreader. Anywhere from 20-40% off.

Still need a tow behind trailer for my craftsman rider just to haul shit in the yard. Wife is looking at a few more pieces of furniture for around the pool.

Mikey, I actually have also been thinking of getting a setup similar to that one you are getting. We have a large screened in porch by the pool that is basically empty. I have a gas grill in there now, but am looking to upgrade it to a setup like that.

Might as well take advantage of the hurting businesses while you can and grab what you want at great prices.

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 2:52 pm

IndyFrisco wrote:
Mikey wrote:Not cutting anything.
Mikey, I actually have also been thinking of getting a setup similar to that one you are getting. We have a large screened in porch by the pool that is basically empty. I have a gas grill in there now, but am looking to upgrade it to a setup like that.

Might as well take advantage of the hurting businesses while you can and grab what you want at great prices.

I've been planning on building one myself for several years, but never had the time and probably never would. We're getting ready to start a kitchen remodel at the end of the month and will be out of the kitchen for about four weeks. We need a place to cook during the project and this seemed like a good solution. Besides, the price was pretty good and it matches our yard very nicely.

indyfrisco · Post by **indyfrisco** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:01 pm

I was never going to build one myself, but I was planning on having something professionally "built in" around the pool somewhere. With the way my setup in on this house we bought, it seems more practical to buy one of these setups. I have a buddy who lays brick for a living and he said he would help me out with building a brick oven for making pizzas in the screened in porch. That's about as much as I will do there.

We plan on doing a kitchen remodel, but that is probably 5-7 years away. When we do, I am taking our current kitchen and moving it to my detatched garage. Cabinets, sinks, appliances, flooring. Everything. Can't wait for that...

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:11 pm

Yeah, professionally built was another option for us, but this one is maybe 1/3 what it would have cost, and it's ready to go once I get it delivered and set up.

Trampis · Post by **Trampis** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 4:33 pm

Im not cutting costs, I'm already a penny pincher by nature. In fact I hope to buy a nice cheap brand new GM pickup at the end of the year.

I like your cooking set-up Mikey. Nice.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:31 pm

I stopped buying pop at lunch ($390 annual savings) and I downgraded from Yuengling to B+. I also made sure my ass made the Metro on time after bar outings instead of being stubborn and paying for a cab. We will likely downgrade from digital cable after hockey season is over.

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:47 pm

Mikey wrote:Kids are so afraid of math these days (mostly too lazy to do the work it takes to understand it) and the knuckledraggers have so degraded science the past eight years

Really ? Must be a west coast thing. Certainly, it's the "knuckledraggers" and ONLY in the past eight years though, couldn't be the continuing lowering of standards in the public school system foisted upon us by the liberals, teachers unions, and "socially minded" elite.

I'm cutting back on .....

Coffee, soda (aka pop), getting disciplined enough to start bringing my lunch to work again. Looks like we're going to have to run the risk of mercury poisoning with canned Salmon and Tuna in the desk.

Cable might yield to FIOS. I got a "Triple Play" package the year the wife was preggers and we wanted a land line phone. My payment went from $130 to $210 in November, looks like the year long honeymoon for "Triple Play" package ended.

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:56 pm

Hmmmm...did I even mention conservatives or any political identification with "knuckledraggers"? Seems that it's you who are making that association, or perhaps self-identifying?

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:29 pm

Mikey wrote:Hmmmm...did I even mention conservatives or any political identification with "knuckledraggers"? Seems that it's you who are making that association, or perhaps self-identifying?

"and the knuckledraggers have so degraded science the past eight years "

Explain that then.

Mikey · Post by **Mikey** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:12 pm

Tom In VA wrote:
Mikey wrote:Hmmmm...did I even mention conservatives or any political identification with "knuckledraggers"? Seems that it's you who are making that association, or perhaps self-identifying?
"and the knuckledraggers have so degraded science the past eight years "

Explain that then.

I've noticed it more in the past eight years than at any time before, though I'm not sure why. I would consider anybody who degrades science, or is antiscience, to be a knuckledragger. If you want to make a political connection, well that's your choice.

Perhaps I should have said "neo-Luddite" instead.

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:20 pm

Okay, well the inference I drew as to what your point was wasn't exactly a stretch. Considering your political viewpoints, the political climate of the country and all.

Our education system has been lacking for quite a long time, the "past eight years" notwithstanding. Maybe you paid attention to it more the "past eight years" because you wanted to make sure "No Child Was Being Left Behind". But most of the kids graduating from college the past eight years, were left behind awhile ago.

BTW, things should get better the next four years.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/03/10/obama.education/

Second, Obama called for an end to "what has become a race to the bottom in our schools" through lower testing standards. Echoing former President Bush's call to end "the soft bigotry of low expectations," Obama said states needed to stop "low-balling expectations" for students.

So I expect more focus on Math and Science as well in the future. Now if only parents could compete with the fairy tale dreams pimped out by MTV, Hollywood, American Idol and Pro Sports and beat the television and the video game consoles / PC's, we might have a future generation that is smart and productive.

Derron · Post by **Derron** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:22 pm

So if yous all is cutting back then your were living beyond your means before ? That is what that would indicate. If you are concerned by cutting expenses by 10% or more ..then your might have been living a bit large..unless you do like Wags does....since his hours are down, adjusting the outflow is called for...

I have done that this year..but then I am in the construction business, not housing dependent, and I will be there next year, and the year after that..the builders who bought the big penis trucks every other year., jacked them up..bought "spec" lots, built these spec houses and drove around all day with their coke spoons up their nose,,had the toy haulers and all that shit..they fuckin lost it all...Hello..1979 ? 1983 ? 1991? 1996? 2001 ? 2003 ? They did not learn obviously..

When times come back a bit better, and the margins can increase, I will pay myself back the pay cuts I took, and then some more for the risks I take every day...

Got all your consumer (credit cards) debt paid off ?

3 months or more living expenses in the bank?

Paid for cars ?

Regular retirement contributions of 15% or more of your take home pay ...Roth IRA's ?

I am looking to have all my business vehicles and equipment paid off by end of 2009, or no later than March 2010..I will be completely debt free at that point..

Cutting cable ? Bwwahhaaaa....I have basic cable...that gets the OL her HGTV and DIY, me the Military Channel..and I do get MLB Extra Innings every year..not cutting back there..that is what I do for entertainment for couch time..I have hobbies..play bass and acoustical guitar, I fly private aircraft ( business expense of course)..plan a lot of my summer trips over winter..look for concerts within walking distance or cab distance of an airstrip..still spending gas money to get me to the Sandy River for steel head fishing...have a sales appointment out there tomorrow..darn it..that gets me at least an hour of fishing in..

I never buy lunch, I take mine every day...drink teas or water..not soda...drink Irish Cream in coffee every night..not stopping that...Jack and water at least 2 times per week...

Trade excavation services to a local golf course for unlimited golf for my family...do some trucking for local farmers for various food items..killed a nice branch bull elk last fall..meat for almost a year for me and the OL..

Entertainment Book discounts if we do go out for dinner, vendor salesperson gave me one of those last year...Elmers is running some great 2 fers right now as well..

Live right and lean and cutting back does not have to happen...planning helps..

Tom In VA · Post by **Tom In VA** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:29 pm

Derron wrote:So if yous all is cutting back then your were living beyond your means before ?

Not necessarily, although, in my case ... a little bit. Mostly I'm cutting back because I have a kid now. I didn't before and "old habits" are dying hard. I'd much rather sock the $5.00 - $10.00 a day on lunch and coffee away for my son now. Also I need to make sure I have more reserves in the event something happens to my job. I do not right now, that's bad. We blew any and all savings, including 401K money to buy a home in 2005.

Screw_Michigan · Post by **Screw_Michigan** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:43 pm

Tom In VA wrote:We blew any and all savings, including 401K money to buy a home in 2005.

Should have just bought a townhouse in Capitol Heights, Tom, instead of that McMansion in the Dulles corridor.

Derron · Post by **Derron** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:44 pm

Tom In VA wrote:
Derron wrote:So if yous all is cutting back then your were living beyond your means before ?
Not necessarily, although, in my case ... a little bit. Mostly I'm cutting back because I have a kid now. I didn't before and "old habits" are dying hard. I'd much rather sock the $5.00 - $10.00 a day on lunch and coffee away for my son now. Also I need to make sure I have more reserves in the event something happens to my job. I do not right now, that's bad. We blew any and all savings, including 401K money to buy a home in 2005.

Yeah its all relative.....discretionary expense should not impact your budget so much that you have to cut them to make ends meet...spending more wisely is always a good thing..this "new economy" will make people behave like they should..Emergency and contingency living expenses will become much more important..the $ 5 to $ 10 per day is still $ 220 a month for work days though..so that helps out..

War Wagon · Post by **War Wagon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:53 pm

Tom In VA wrote:We blew any and all savings, including 401K money to buy a home in 2005.

Even with home values down right now, using your 401k to help purchase a home is not blowing it, especially if that was the difference between getting in the door, or not. Money well spent that you should never regret.

On the lunch menu, I may eat out once a week. Usually a Wendy's
double cheeseburger and fries. Other than that, we take leftovers most days. Wifey cooks up a shitload of food that we pack up and take to work. Microwaves rule.